WotC Forbes’ Brett Knight visits Wizards of the Coast.

Brett Knight sits down with Cynthia Williams and talks about the future of the company with Dungeons and Dragons.

As Cynthia Williams settles into her chair atop a bearskin rug, three dragons stand watchful guard over her shoulder—each no more than a foot or so tall but no less fearsome, with plastic flames pouring from one’s mouth. The glass cases lining the room are filled with more horrible creatures, shrunken down in plastic miniature: ogres and devils and hobgoblins. Drawers pull out to reveal hundreds of polyhedral dice, with 10, 12 or 20 sides. Where a jumble of letters adorns the wall outside, the push of a button illuminates a hidden message: “Those granted entry shall be rewarded.”

Brett Knight mentions several things we already know, that D&D sales are growing rapidly among a younger audience.

Arpiné Kocharyan, a UBS analyst, estimates that D&D is now responsible for $100 million to $150 million in annual revenue ... around 40% of D&D players are now female ... 24% of D&D players are between 20 and 24 years old ... revenue up a reported 35% in 2020 from 2019 and more introductory D&D products sold in 2021 than when they were released in 2014 ...

They discuss the opportunity to grow via the VTT and DnDBeyond and marketing and selling digital things, about doing movies and TV, etc. Brett includes some history and quotes from the D&D historian Petersen, from Tim Kask, and the Hasbro CEO, Chris Cox.

I'm not sure how much is new in it, it does seem rather light for folks that have been reading about D&D and Wizards, but it's nice to see Cynthia Williams get some press. Here's hoping to hearing more from her.

Could Dungeons & Dragons Be The Next Harry Potter? Stranger Things Have Happened

As it nears 50 years old, the role-playing game is more popular than ever—and Hasbro is looking to cash in by moving its wizards and warriors to TV, movies, game consoles and even virtual tabletops.

www.forbes.com

 

[Parmandur]

Sure!

There's a new Bard. It doesn't mean that Bard14 no longer works. The power level, outside of the background feats is the same.
The mythology presented that the 14 classes can't coexist with the 24 classes has no basis in fact.

Absolutely this. And, the new Bard remains compatible with the older Subclasses, so mixing and matching will occur in actual play.

 

[darjr]

yes I am, and please don't insult me by pretending my very well worded (and not exactly short) post is so insane it can't be serious.

(and I will add the "I'm pretty sure you are not serious" to the list of ways this web site is no longer user friendly)

I did nothing of the kind!

You made a claim that, in my opinion, was directly refuted by posts in this very thread.

Then used the word “pretty” as a basis to refute it. As if it didn’t mean that the poster was almost certain. As if I didn’t read it.

Which came off to me as off putting and not serious.

Then you make accusations? Nice.

You threw out words like “insane” and “doesn’t make any sense” as if you’re the only reasonable one. Meanwhile you go off the deep-end with accusations like the above.

I did NOT pretend you’re post was “insane” those are your words. Do not put words in my mouth again, thank you.

 

[Parmandur]

So, I'm not seeing the entire thread here, so I'd like to give the ignore button a shout out: a useful tool when the going gets rough.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

There's a new Bard. It doesn't mean that Bard14 no longer works. The power level, outside of the background feats is the same.

were I am unsure on power level (or how much power level really matters to D&D when we have fighter and druid at such aspectrum between) I will say in my experence that isn't how that works. Tables wont have someone play a 2014 bard they will have them 'update' to 2024 (unless they just don't use the 2024 updates) there will be a divide, 1 D^D and 5e as 2 seperate things for a table to decide at session 0 or before...

I would not be suprised if a table or 2 tried to mix them, but that will not be a noticeable % (In my experience)

The mythology presented that the 14 classes can't coexist with the 24 classes has no basis in fact.

the bard changed, whole sale changed it's not a new class it is a new way to make the class... that is what I am not understanding

 

[Mark Craddock]

"print-and-digital bundles of books"

Not so surprising, but did we see any previous announcements on this?

My main concern is that some of the M:tG POD products are close to a year into being unfulfilled. WotC had a distribution center for years but either shut it down or uses it to service big box stores.
I appreciate that they are trying to aim for the sky but lets get a good movie before its decided that they can compete with Harry Potter, LotR, or A Song of Ice & Fire. I've even seen rumors that Hasbro is talking about closing down their production company which produced Honor Among Thieves.

 

[Umbran]

Mod Note:
There's two of you who really ought to disengage from each other at this point.

Please do so. Thanks.

 

[darjr]

My main concern is that some of the M:tG POD products are close to a year into being unfulfilled. WotC had a distribution center for years but either shut it down or uses it to service big box stores.
I appreciate that they are trying to aim for the sky but lets get a good movie before its decided that they can compete with Harry Potter, LotR, or A Song of Ice & Fire. I've even seen rumors that Hasbro is talking about closing down their production company which produced Honor Among Thieves.

Looking I see the current eOne ceo is stepping down and they are closing the VR division. Also looking to sell off aspects of eOne, maybe, or just restructure.

The just announced Hasbro documentary is an eOne project.

D&D documentary directed by Critical Role’s Joe Manganiello will use 400 hours of archival footage

A second Dungeons & Dragons documentary has been announced, but this one will be directed by Critical Role's Joe Manganiello.

www.dicebreaker.com

eOne-owned VR studio Secret Location closes amid Hasbro strategic review

Toronto-based VR studio Secret Location, which garnered international acclaim for its innovative work and immersive entertainment, has shut down as parent company Hasbro continues to undertake a strategic review of Entertainment One’s assets.

www.c21media.net

Entertainment One CEO Darren Throop to Step Down

The executive will leave the Hasbro division at the end of 2022 as he serves out his current employment contract.

www.google.com

Hasbro Considers Sale or Restructuring of Entertainment Assets

The world's largest toy company spent $4 billion to move into Hollywood. Now it's having second thoughts.

www.bloomberg.com

 

[UngeheuerLich]

I would not be suprised if a table or 2 tried to mix them, but that will not be a noticeable % (In my experience)

You have experience of the future? Cool!

 

[GMforPowergamers]

You have experience of the future? Cool!

yes I come from 2027 and as such I am the authority on this...

dude

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

it's not how it used to work. Moderation would keep thing civil. In this very thread someone already accused me of "You can't be serious"

Actually the said they were “pretty sure” you were no being serious. Which I took to be what they earnestly believed, not an indictment on your viewpoint